1402 Main Street in Niagara Falls, New York. Bramer's rates high in all "classic tavern" categories including urban location, Genny signs in the front window and a suspended in time interior.
Bramer's Tavern, located at 1402 Main Street at Pierce Avenue in the City of Niagara Falls is the perfect canidate for a tavern museum...if one would be take on that challenge. Christopher Hiller. Jr. built this tavern between 1875 and 1886, and operated it until his death in 1911. The next to own it was his son-in-law Jacob Soell until his death in 1932. John F. Bramer, Jr. took over the tavern until his son followed him in 1961. The tavern closed in 1993 and has been kept "keg ready" by Bramer's step son Harold Jeffs.
The two story wood frame Italianate structure has been kept almost entirely in its original form. The exterior clapboard has been covered with shingle, the wood floor covered with linoleum and modern light fixtures installed. The original bar with foot rail remaining as well as the original tables which were built by local Niagara Falls carpenter Jacob Kilberer.
The preserved saloon bar of Bramer's Grill in 2004. Compare bar to vintage 1895 picture below. Tavern features one of the best preserved barbacks in WNY. Note the Bevador cooler and spittoons near foot railing. Classic Bar at Bramer's, Niagara Falls
Another view of historic bar back
Current owner and caretaker of history, Harold Jeffs
Classic tavern layout: Small tables, men's room up front, etc.
Bramer's bowling team information from Dec. 1940
Card table with Niagara Falls advertising.
Over 125 years of good times centered around the bar at Bramer's
Patron "Hall of Fame" dating from the 1980s. Large picture in center is Jack Bramer
View from backroom looking towards Main Street.
The German Hotel a.k.a. Bramer's Grill 1895.
1920s Kitchen at Bramer's Grill
Aged woodwork is not limited to the bar. Bramer's was passed over by the moderization of the 60s and neglect of the 70s & 80s. The current owner Harold Jeffs has taken great steps to keep the tavern "tap ready" for future use
